Government-industry teaming becomes tool for security, economy

Government collaboration with the private sector, especially in the area of homeland security, has improved dramatically during the past decade, but there are many best practices that should be institutionalized to improve outcomes that benefit both sides, this month's American Shipper cover story shows.
"I Want You for Compliance" — illustrated by an Uncle Sam figure — outlines the recommendations of industry representatives for how the government can involve the private sector in policy development and implementation to achieve its mission, while also reducing red tape that slows down commerce.
Developing true partnerships requires overcoming the different philosophies towards managing risk, Randal Mullett, vice president of government affairs and public relations at Con-Way Inc., said at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce summit on supply chain trends in May.
"There’s a difference in risk tolerance between public and private sectors. So the private sector notion of a seamless border, without delays and implemented quickly — we need to realistically say, 'That’s not possible.' Borders are there for a reason," he said, primarily referring to the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in regulating commercial traffic and travelers.
"In a capitalist economy, you’re rewarded for taking risks. Well, that’s not what a lot of the folks at the border are charged with. So we in the private sector have to recognize that we do have these differences in our risk tolerance, our risk expectations and our ability to move quickly and nimbly and that Con-way [and other carriers] have a finite set of self-selected customers that we have to satisfy. You all have to satisfy every person, sophisticated or not, that shows up at the border. So we in the private sector have to do better at keeping those things in mind and being really good partners rather than whiners," Mullett said.
See the full layout of "I Want You for Compliance" in the digital issue of the August edition, available at www.americanshipper.com.